List of Family Ties episodes

This is a list of episodes of the American television sitcom Family Ties, that aired on NBC from September 22, 1982 to May 14, 1989, with a total of 176 episodes produced, spanning 7 seasons.

Series overview

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SeasonEpisodesOriginally airedRankRating
First airedLast aired
122September 22, 1982 (1982-09-22)April 4, 1983 (1983-04-04)56[1]
222September 28, 1983 (1983-09-28)May 10, 1984 (1984-05-10)4216.0 [2]
324September 20, 1984 (1984-09-20)March 28, 1985 (1985-03-28)522.1
FilmSeptember 23, 1985 (1985-09-23)22.1
424September 26, 1985 (1985-09-26)May 1, 1986 (1986-05-01)230.0
530September 25, 1986 (1986-09-25)August 13, 1987 (1987-08-13)232.7
628September 13, 1987 (1987-09-13)May 1, 1988 (1988-05-01)1717.3
726October 30, 1988 (1988-10-30)May 14, 1989 (1989-05-14)3514.5 [3]

Episodes

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Season 1 (1982–1983)

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  • This is the only season where Michael Gross was clean shaven.
No.
overall
No. in
season
TitleDirected byWritten byOriginal air dateProd.
code
Rating/share
(households)
11"Pilot"Asaad KeladaGary David GoldbergSeptember 22, 1982 (1982-09-22)00115.4/23[4]
Alex escorts a pretty socialite to a dance at her country club.
22"Not With My Sister You Don't"Tony MordenteLloyd GarverSeptember 29, 1982 (1982-09-29)00417.2/26[5]
Alex heads the household when Elyse and Steven go away for the weekend.
33"I Know Jennifer's Boyfriend"Michael ZinbergGary David GoldbergOctober 6, 1982 (1982-10-06)00318.1/28[6]
Jennifer gets picked on when she befriends a boy at school.
44"Summer of '82"Tony MordenteMichael J. WeithornOctober 27, 1982 (1982-10-27)00712.3/19[7]
Seduced by an "older woman" of twenty-one (Amy Steel), the hitherto inexperienced Alex is devastated to learn that she thinks of their relationship as casual.
55"I Never Killed for My Father"Dick MartinKimberly HillNovember 3, 1982 (1982-11-03)00816.7/26[8]
A visit from Steven's father (John Randolph) evokes confrontation between the two.
66"Give Your Uncle Arthur a Kiss"Will MackenzieLloyd Garver & Gary David GoldbergNovember 10, 1982 (1982-11-10)01215.1/23[9]
Mallory is horrified and confused when a close family friend and older business associate of her father's makes a pass at her.
77"Big Brother is Watching"Alan BergmannRuth BennettNovember 17, 1982 (1982-11-17)01313.9/21[10][11]
As the new editor of his school paper, Alex uncovers a cheating scandal and to everyone's chagrin, prints a list of students who were caught including Mallory.
88"No Nukes Is Good Nukes"Frank BonnerRuth BennettNovember 24, 1982 (1982-11-24)00914.0/22[12][13]
To the dismay of the Keaton children and their equally conservative grandparents (Dick Sargent and Priscilla Morrill), Steven and Elyse take time out Thanksgiving Day to attend an anti-nuke rally-and end up spending the holiday in jail.
99"Death of a Grocer"Will MackenzieMichael J. WeithornDecember 1, 1982 (1982-12-01)01116.0/24[14]

Though Alex loves working at Mr. Adler's "Mom and Pop" grocery store, to the old man's dismay, he quits to "climb the corporate ladder" at an ultramodern supermarket.

Note: This episode marks the debut of Marc Price in the recurring role of Skippy Handleman.
1010"Have Gun, Will Unravel"Alan BergmannRuth BennettDecember 8, 1982 (1982-12-08)00613.5/20[15][16]
The Keatons consider buying a gun for protection after getting burglarized.
1111"A Christmas Story"Will MackenzieJoanne PagliaroDecember 15, 1982 (1982-12-15)01417.0/26[17][16]
When a blizzard forces the Keatons to spend Christmas at home, Elyse's gift to Steven of an album filled with fascinating old photos sparks flashbacks to the births of their three children.
1212"Oops"Tony MordenteJoanne PagliaroDecember 22, 1982 (1982-12-22)00515.8/26[18][19]
Mallory resents Elyse for the advice she gives her pregnant friend.
1313"Sherry Baby"Tony MordenteBarbara HallJanuary 12, 1983 (1983-01-12)01514.5/21[20][21]
When popular sorority girl Sherry Marshall befriends Mallory to get close to Alex, Mallory brings them together in hopes of joining Pi Nu but her plan backfires.
1414"The Fugitive, Part 1"Will MackenzieMichael J. WeithornJanuary 19, 1983 (1983-01-19)01614.6/22[22][21]
Elyse's younger brother and Alex's idol, Ned (Tom Hanks), makes a surprise visit. However, everyone is puzzled by the go-getter corporate executive's suspicious behavior.
1515"The Fugitive, Part 2"Will MackenzieMichael J. WeithornJanuary 26, 1983 (1983-01-26)01716.6/24[23][24]
With the FBI hot on Ned's heels for embezzling 4.5 million dollars in corporate funds, Elyse's ethical brother and Alex's idol tells the family why and where he hid the money.
1616"Margin of Error"Tony MordenteMichael RussnowFebruary 9, 1983 (1983-02-09)01812.8/18[25]
Alex amasses a bundle by playing the stock market on paper for his economics class, and courts disaster by secretly investing his father's money.
1717"French Lessons"Tony MordenteRuth BennettFebruary 16, 1983 (1983-02-16)01913.7/20[26]
Mallory's handsome but shy French tutor, Jeff, finally musters up the nerve to ask her out and then courts disaster by enlisting Alex's advice on how to behave on the date.
1818"I Gotta Be Ming"Sam WeismanDouglas WymanFebruary 23, 1983 (1983-02-23)02012.6/18[27]
As Big Brother to a 10-year-old Vietnamese boy, Alex tries to mold Ming into his own image, and he learns an unforgettable lesson when he breaks a promise to the adoring child.
1919"Suzanne Takes You Down"Will MackenzieRuth BennettMarch 16, 1983 (1983-03-16)01017.0/25[28]
Soon after freelance architect Elyse Keaton hires her friend Suzanne Davis to handle clerical chores, she wants to fire the under-qualified, overly aggressive secretary. Note: This episode marks the first time that Justine Bateman wears white pants.
2020"The Fifth Wheel"Andrew McCulloughRuth Bennett & Michael J. WeithornMarch 28, 1983 (1983-03-28)02214.3/20[29]
Alex gets stuck babysitting for his little sister Jennifer, who is fed up with feeling in the way at his poker game and decides to disappear.
2121"Stage Fright"Sam WeismanRuth Bennett & Michael J. WeithornApril 4, 1983 (1983-04-04)02113.9/20[30]
While gearing up to face the television cameras as captain of his high school's team on "Quiz-Em", Alex panics at first when a teammate drops out and then launches a tutoring program a la Eliza Doolittle for his sister Mallory.
2222"Elyse D'Arc"Michael ZinbergMichael J. WeithornApril 11, 1983 (1983-04-11)00213.2/19[31]
Elyse gets so wrapped up in work that she neglects her family.

Season 2 (1983–1984)

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No.
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No. in
season
TitleDirected byWritten byOriginal air dateProd.
code
Rating/share
(households)
231"Tender is the Knight"Sam WeismanRuth BennettSeptember 28, 1983 (1983-09-28)02315.7/24[32]

When pretty Carrie Newman and her mother Julia come to visit the Keatons, Carrie's forward behavior sends Alex into a panic.

Note: First episode featuring a bearded Steven Keaton which he will keep for the remainder of the series. Michael Gross had grown the beard between seasons 1 and 2 while appearing in a Broadway production.
242"The Homecoming"Sam WeismanDouglas WymanOctober 12, 1983 (1983-10-12)02716.1/23[33]
When Mallory's boyfriend Jeff arrives home from college and wants to go steady, she's elated, but it's soon apparent that he's a little awed by school and merely grasping at the familiar.
253"The Harder They Fall"Sam WeismanRich ReinhartOctober 19, 1983 (1983-10-19)02616.2/26[34]
Alex anxiously awaits a crucial college recommendation from his English teacher (Edward Edwards).
264"This Year's Model"John PasquinSusan Borowitz & Richard RaskindOctober 26, 1983 (1983-10-26)03217.7/28[35]
Mallory secretly submits a picture of Elyse and herself to an ad agency for a mother-daughter-modeling contest.
275"Not An Affair to Remember"Sam WeismanRuth Bennett & Gary David GoldbergNovember 2, 1983 (1983-11-02)02917.5/26[36]
Steven's assistant (Judith Light) at the station is bright, talented, funny, and witty...and in love with him.
286"Speed Trap"Sam WeismanMichael J. WeithornNovember 9, 1983 (1983-11-09)02516.1/24[37]
When Alex takes diet pills for a lift during midterms, his dependency level increases daily.
297"Sweet Lorraine"Sam WeismanAlan UgerNovember 16, 1983 (1983-11-16)03113.9/21[38]
While working as a DJ at the school radio station, Alex strikes up a telephone friendship with caller Lorraine Ferrar (Carolyn Seymour).
308"Batter Up"Sam WeismanLisa A. BannickNovember 30, 1983 (1983-11-30)02816.1/24[39]
Steven and Elyse worry that Jennifer's softball team coach is pushing the girls too hard.
319"A Keaton Christmas Carol"Will MackenzieStory by : Robert Caplain
Teleplay by : Rich Reinhart
December 14, 1983 (1983-12-14)03718.0/27[40]
A cynical Alex finds the spirit of Christmas in a dream.
3210"To Snatch a Keith"Sam WeismanAlan UgerDecember 21, 1983 (1983-12-21)02416.9/26[41]
Steven and Elyse realize how lucky they are when their friends come over for a visit, but are unaware that it will be for the last time.
3311"Birthday Boy"Will MackenzieMichael J. WeithornJanuary 5, 1984 (1984-01-05)03316.4/24[42]

On his 18th birthday, Alex defies his mother and goes off with some of his buddies to celebrate at an out-of-town nightclub.

Notes: Michael J. Fox and Crispin Glover would later star in Back to the Future together. John Putch also previously guest starred in the episode "Summer of '82" as the character Pete.
3412"Go Tigers"Will MackenzieMichael J. WeithornJanuary 12, 1984 (1984-01-12)03616.2/24[43]
Alex is both amazed and furious when a critical admissions interview at Princeton University is shattered by his hysterical sister Mallory.
3513""M" is for the Many Things"Will MackenzieLisa A. BannickJanuary 19, 1984 (1984-01-19)03816.0/23[44]
Elyse is shocked by her soon-to-be-divorced mother's quick and free-spirited plunge into the singles world.
3614"Say Uncle"Will MackenzieRuth BennettJanuary 26, 1984 (1984-01-26)03917.5/26[45]
Alex discovers that his idol, young Uncle Ned , has a serious drinking problem.
3715"Ladies' Man"John PasquinAlan UgerFebruary 2, 1984 (1984-02-02)04011.6/17[46]
Alex pretends to support the Equal Rights Amendment to impress a pretty feminist.
3816"Ready or Not"Lee ShallatRuth Bennett & Michael J. WeithornFebruary 9, 1984 (1984-02-09)04117.9/26[47]
Mallory turns to Alex for some advice when she begins to fear she'll lose her new boyfriend unless she agrees to his pleas for a more "adult" romance.
3917"Double Date"Will MackenzieDouglas WymanFebruary 16, 1984 (1984-02-16)04416.3/23[48]
Alex courts disaster when he invites two dates to the senior prom. He devises an elaborate scheme for escorting each of the unknowing girls on a night to remember.
4018"Lady Sings the Blues"Andrew McCulloughAlan Uger & Michael J. WeithornFebruary 23, 1984 (1984-02-23)04214.6/22[49]
Elyse is excited at the prospect of reviving her folk-singing career at a local nightclub.
4119"Baby Boy Doe"Will MackenzieRuth Bennett & Alan UgerMarch 8, 1984 (1984-03-08)04514.9/22[50]
When Alex's pal Skippy discovers he's adopted, Alex helps him cope with the shocking news.
4220"The Graduate"Will MackenzieRuth Bennett & Lloyd GarverMarch 15, 1984 (1984-03-15)04316.9/26[51]
Alex is so sure that he will be named valedictorian of his class that he can't cope with the thought of being defeated by a girl-especially his girl.
4321"Diary of a Young Girl"Sam WeismanRuth BennettMay 3, 1984 (1984-05-03)03411.3/18[52]
In the hospital awaiting a tonsillectomy, Jennifer fears she may never see her family again.
4422"Working At It"Sam WeismanLloyd GarverMay 10, 1984 (1984-05-10)03011.8/21[53]
Elyse feels the need to expand her horizons.

Season 3 (1984–1985)

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No.
overall
No. in
season
TitleDirected byWritten byOriginal air dateProd.
code
Rating/share
(households)
451"The Gambler"Will MackenzieAlan Uger & Michael J. WeithornSeptember 20, 1984 (1984-09-20)04617.5/30[54]

Elyse is stricken with gambling fever on a business trip to Atlantic City. While on a roll with Alex's "foolproof" blackjack system, she's oblivious to her family and job.

Note: This episode was produced during Season 2.
462"Here We Go Again"Will MackenzieRuth Bennett & Alan UgerSeptember 27, 1984 (1984-09-27)04720.1/32[55]
The news that their mother is pregnant sends the three Keaton kids into an angry outburst resulting in a family battle.
473"Little Man on Campus"John PasquinMichael J. WeithornOctober 4, 1984 (1984-10-04)05021.0/32[56]

Alex is thrilled to be taking a college course taught by one of his personal heroes, Professor Ephraim Bronski. In his eagerness to impress the teacher he gets off to a bad start and is humiliated by his idol when he fails the first class assignment.

Note: Michael McGuire as 'Professor Bronski' and Timothy Busfield as 'Doug' appear as guest stars in this episode.
484"Love Thy Neighbor"Will MackenzieStory by : Rich Reinhart
Teleplay by : Alan Uger & Michael J. Weithorn
October 11, 1984 (1984-10-11)05419.1/30[57]

Little Jennifer is thrilled about getting a visit from her former neighborhood pal, Scott, whom she hasn't seen in five years.

Note: This is the first episode that Meredith Baxter does not appear in due to her pregnancy.
495"Keaton and Son"Will MackenzieLissa LevinOctober 18, 1984 (1984-10-18)05219.3/29[58]

Alex reluctantly accepts a part-time job with his father at the non-profit station, and his dad is bursting with pride to have him following in his footsteps.

Note: Second episode that Meredith Baxter does not appear in due to her pregnancy.
506"Fabric Smarts"Will MackenzieLloyd GarverOctober 25, 1984 (1984-10-25)04820.2/31[59]
Mallory's enthusiasm for her part-time job at a boutique causes her grades to slip even lower than usual.
517"Hotline Fever"John PasquinMarc LawrenceNovember 1, 1984 (1984-11-01)05517.2/26[60]

As an economics student, Alex finds it demeaning to be forced into a public service position, but his experiences at the crisis center gives him a new outlook on life.

Note: Third episode that Meredith Baxter does not appear in due to her pregnancy.
528"4 Rms Ocn Vu"Lee ShallatAlan Uger & Marc LawrenceNovember 8, 1984 (1984-11-08)05718.6/28[61]

While Steven and Elyse are away on vacation, Mallory accidentally crashes her parents' car into a telephone pole. The kids need to raise money for auto repairs and decides to turn the Keaton house into a hotel.

Note: Fourth episode that Meredith Baxter does not appear in due to her pregnancy.
539"Best Man"John PasquinAlan UgerNovember 15, 1984 (1984-11-15)05122.3/34[62]

Alex cannot accept the fact that he and everyone around him are growing up, and desperately clings to his old ways.

Note: Lily Mariye guest stars in this episode as Eleanor, to whom Doug (Timothy Busfield) wants to wed. Also Tate Donovan appears as 'Clancy' one of Alex & Doug's poker friends.
5410"Lost Weekend"Will MackenzieRuth Bennett & Michael J. WeithornNovember 22, 1984 (1984-11-22)04915.3/28[63]
Steven and Elyse plan a nostalgic weekend with the kids before the baby arrives, and are crushed to discover that the children are not at all interested in reminiscing about old times-they'd rather be with their friends.
5511"Don't Kiss Me, I'm Only the Messenger"Will MackenzieRuth BennettNovember 29, 1984 (1984-11-29)05321.5/32[64]

Alex plays Cupid to help his shy pal Skippy get together with Jane, the girl of his dreams, but his good intentions go awry when the girl falls for him instead.

Note: Michelle Meyrink guest stars in this episode as 'Jane', Mallory's friend, and Skippy's latest infatuation.
5612"Help Wanted"Will MackenzieRuth Bennett & Michael J. WeithornDecember 6, 1984 (1984-12-06)05621.7/32[65]

Alex hires an attractive housekeeper Karen Nicholson (Geena Davis) with no experience who meets his special criteria.

Note: Fifth episode that Meredith Baxter does not appear in due to her pregnancy.
5713"Karen II, Alex 0"Lee ShallatLloyd Garver & Michael J. WeithornDecember 13, 1984 (1984-12-13)05819.9/31[66]

Alex's chances for acceptance into a smug college fraternity are dependent upon him having a knockout date for the pledge dance.

Notes: Robert Pine and Christopher Rydell are guest stars in this episode. Sixth episode that Meredith Baxter does not appear in due to her pregnancy.
5814"Oh Donna"Will MackenzieAlan UgerJanuary 3, 1985 (1985-01-03)06021.2/30[67]

Alex is a stand-in at a Lamaze class for pregnant, single, college students. Alex's natural over-enthusiasm gets the best of him as he envisions nurturing a relationship with a girl named Donna (Isabelle Walker) and her unborn child, and leading it into marriage and a family. It takes Elyse to set him straight ... and even alert him to the possibility that Donna may not want to keep the baby.

Note: David Paymer & Julie Fulton appear as couple 'Larry & 'Suzie Harris' as guest stars in this episode. Also Jack Blessing & Karlene Crockett appear as couple 'Leonard & Marge' expecting twins.
5915"Auntie Up"John PasquinLawrence H. LevyJanuary 10, 1985 (1985-01-10)05922.3/30[68]

Mallory's beloved Aunt Trudy (Edith Atwater) suffers a fatal heart attack. Mallory falls into a deep depression, but matters are compounded when the family brushes her off to tend to what they feel are more important matters.

Note: Seventh episode that Meredith Baxter does not appear in due to her pregnancy.
6016"Philadelphia Story"Will MackenzieMichael J. WeithornJanuary 17, 1985 (1985-01-17)06123.9/34[69]

While doing a term paper for history class on colonial times, Alex suffers from a cold and falls asleep. In a dream, Alex becomes a Philadelphia stable boy who, with his friend Skipford (Marc Price in character as Skippy), experience the events leading to the signing of the Declaration of Independence. Michael Gross doubles as a Steven Keaton-inspired Thomas Jefferson.

Note: James Cromwell as 'John Hancock' and Ben Piazza as both 'John Adams' and 'Ed Nelson' appear as guest stars in this episode.
6117"Birth of a Keaton, Part 1"Will MackenzieLloyd GarverJanuary 24, 1985 (1985-01-24)06222.2/32[70]

It's Pledge Week again at Steven's TV station but Alex, Mallory and Jennifer are not very enthusiastic about it this year. But after Steven is called home to deal with plumbing problems, Elyse performs on-air...and then goes into labor.

Note: John Hancock as 'Gus' and Ron Karabatsos as 'Bud' the plumber, appear both as guest stars in this episode.
6218"Birth of a Keaton, Part 2"Will MackenzieAlan Uger & Marc LawrenceJanuary 31, 1985 (1985-01-31)06325.9/36[71]

With Steven, Skippy, and the plumber stuck in the massive snowstorm, Elyse remains at the TV station in the final stages of labor.

Note: In addition to the aforementioned guest actors of the former episode, Shirley Prestia and William Cort as 'Dr.Witt', appear as guest stars in this second part of the episode.
6319"Cry Baby"Sam WeismanBruce David & Bruce HelfordFebruary 7, 1985 (1985-02-07)06422.5/32[72]
Newborn Andrew's arrival has been hard on the Keatons, with everyone going without sleep. Jennifer has taken the bundle of joy the hardest, eventually screaming that she hates Andrew and wishes he had never been born. Now the family have to decide how they can properly balance their time with Andrew and not alienate Jennifer. Finally realizing that she had done wrong, Jennifer apologises and ends up starting to get used to living with Andrew.
6420"Don't Know Much About History..."Sam WeismanMarc Lawrence & Michael J. WeithornFebruary 14, 1985 (1985-02-14)06524.5/36[73]
Rival tutors Alex & James (Jeffrey Joseph) both fall for an attractive student (Nancy Everhard) they are tutoring. Their ill will toward one another explodes at a poetry reading, and they continue to verbally spar.
6521"Bringing Up Baby"Andrew McCulloughRich ReinhartFebruary 21, 1985 (1985-02-21)06724.3/35[74]

With two careers, three bickering children and one demanding baby, Steven and Elyse can't seem to find any time for each other. But when they do finally take the time for a quiet evening alone, they find out that they actually miss all of the chaos.

Note: Steven Peterman and Radha Delamarter appear in this episode as guest stars as the 'couple with a baby' in the restaurant.
6622"Cold Storage"Lee ShallatMarc LawrenceMarch 7, 1985 (1985-03-07)06625.4/38[75]

Skippy accidentally locks himself in the basement with Mallory while the rest of the Keatons are away visiting some of the acquaintances made at their past Lamaze classes. Mallory clashes at first over Skippy's unrequited feelings for her, but soon she realizes that, despite his quirks, he has been a kind and good friend to her.

Note: In this episode appear again as guest stars David Paymer & Julie Fulton as couple 'Larry & 'Suzie Harris' and Jack Blessing & Karlene Crockett as the couple with twins 'Leonard & Marge'.
6723"Remembrances of Things Past"Sam WeismanGary David Goldberg & Alan UgerMarch 28, 1985 (1985-03-28)06824.7/37[76]
6824069
Part 1: The Keatons visit Grandma, who has put her house up for sale now that Grandpa has died. But Steven's unresolved issues with his father continue to haunt him.
Part 2: Steven and his brother disagree about whether to accept the offer on their mother's house. Meanwhile, Steven visits his father's grave in order to make peace.

Film (1985)

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  • The television film Family Ties Vacation aired three days before the start of season four. The film was later split into four individual episodes when the series entered syndication.
TitleDirected byWritten byOriginal air dateRating/share
(households)
Family Ties VacationWill MackenzieGary David Goldberg & Michael J. Weithorn & Alan Uger & Marc LawrenceSeptember 23, 1985 (1985-09-23)22.1/33[77]
The Keatons take a vacation to the United Kingdom where Alex takes classes at the University of Oxford, having won a summer scholarship. While Alex struggles with fitting in and Mallory falls for his dormitory roommate William Clive-Hopkins (John Moulder-Brown), the family gets mixed up in international intrigue.

Season 4 (1985–1986)

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No.
overall
No. in
season
TitleDirected byWritten byOriginal air dateProd.
code
Rating/share
(households)
691"The Real Thing, Part 1"Will MackenzieMichael J. WeithornSeptember 26, 1985 (1985-09-26)07429.6/45[79]

College Sophomore Alex dates a cute freshman he spotted in the school catalogue, but ends up falling for her roommate, Ellen (Tracy Pollan), instead.

In 2009, TV Guide ranked this episode #76 on its list of the 100 Greatest Episodes.[78]
702"The Real Thing, Part 2"Will MackenzieMichael J. WeithornOctober 3, 1985 (1985-10-03)07528.9/44[77]
With encouragement from Elyse, Alex travels to Lancaster, Pennsylvania to tell Ellen how he feels, even though she has gone there to elope with her boyfriend.
713"Mr. Wrong"Will MackenzieAlan UgerOctober 17, 1985 (1985-10-17)07328.1/43[80]
Mallory brings home her new boyfriend, Nick Moore (Scott Valentine), who looks to be exactly the type of guy Steven and Elyse hoped their daughter wouldn't get involved with.
724"Designated Hitter"John PasquinStephen J. CurwickOctober 24, 1985 (1985-10-24)07026.7/39[81]

Jennifer defends her boyfriend (Noah Hathaway) from the attacks of a bully (Danny Nucci) with complications. In the subplot, Alex is devastated when Mallory scores higher than he does on an IQ test.

Note: This episode was produced during Season 3.
735"Don't Go Changin'"Asaad KeladaMarc LawrenceOctober 31, 1985 (1985-10-31)07926.3/39[82]
Alex tries to change his personality to impress Ellen's artsy & dancing friends. As a subplot, Steven balks at having to go to Elyse's book club meetings during football games.
746"The Old College Try"Barbara SchultzRuth BennettNovember 7, 1985 (1985-11-07)07628.9/41[83]
Mallory upsets Elyse when she announces that she is not going to college.
757"My Tutor"Sam WeismanJace RichdaleNovember 14, 1985 (1985-11-14)08029.5/43[84]
To help him with math, Alex hires a tutor who he later learns is a fourteen-year-old named Eugene (River Phoenix). Eugene then falls for the younger Jennifer. However, he soon realizes it's a mistake when Jennifer acts her age and embarrasses him at a party. The subplot has Steven working tirelessly on the family budget.
768"Mr. Right"Sam WeismanAlan UgerNovember 21, 1985 (1985-11-21)08132.4/46[85]
Nick decides that he wants to impress Steven and Elyse and enlists the help of Alex, who turns Nick into a clone of himself.
779"Just One Look"Andrew McCulloughStory by : Paul Wolff
Teleplay by : Gary David Goldberg & Michael J. Weithorn
December 5, 1985 (1985-12-05)08231.2/46[86]
Steven's old college buddy Richard Schofield (Robert Desiderio) comes to town. Steven then learns that Elyse and Richard were previously in a relationship, which sends him into a jealous rage.
7810"How Do You Sleep?"John PasquinMarc LawrenceDecember 12, 1985 (1985-12-12)08332.6/48[87]

Alex has trouble sleeping, and his problems affect the whole family, much to their displeasure.

Note: This is the fifth episode of the sitcom where its opening title sequence got moved for after the first scene of the episode and not used as its opening sequence. (Not counting the cold opening sequences as follow up of episodes split in two)
7911"You've Got a Friend"John PasquinRuth BennettDecember 19, 1985 (1985-12-19)08529.8/46[88]
Alex and Mallory catch a young girl, Jessie (Martha Plimpton), stealing from the store where Mallory works, Mallory turns her in and then later decides to help the girl and befriend her. However, Jessie may not be ready to accept Mallory's offer.
8012"Nothing But a Man"Will MackenzieStory by : Jurgen M. Wolf
Teleplay by : Jean Kraynak Brinck
January 2, 1986 (1986-01-02)08631.2/44[89]
Steven gets a long awaited promotion at the TV station, but his long work hours cause him to miss dinners (and just about everything else) with the family, even private time with Elyse. Meanwhile, Alex is dismayed when the only toy Andy will play with is a doll Ellen gave him. (Robert Costanzo, George Coe and John Hancock are the guest stars in this episode)
8113"The Disciple"Will MackenzieRich ReinhartJanuary 9, 1986 (1986-01-09)08932.4/48[90]

Jennifer asks Alex for help with her social studies class oral report, but Alex's intellect takes over the whole assignment, so that Jennifer's school is very impressed with the finished project but Jennifer does not understand a word of it herself.

Note: David Wohl as lawyer Ralph Boswell and Belita Moreno as Jennifer's teacher Mrs. Pedroza, appear as guest stars in this episode. Also Corey Feldman and Amy O'Neill appear as some of the students at Jennifer's school.
8214"Where's Poppa?"Will MackenzieSusan Borowitz & Marc LawrenceJanuary 16, 1986 (1986-01-16)09034.8/49[91]
Alex sets up a reunion with Ellen and her father, Franklin Reed (Ronny Cox), who was absent for most of Ellen's childhood.
8315"Fool for Love"Lee ShallatMarc LawrenceJanuary 23, 1986 (1986-01-23)09130.3/44[92]
Skippy refuses to let go of feelings for Mallory, despite her dating Nick. (Jerry Hardin appears as guest star in this episode as Mr. Bidney.)
8416"Checkmate"Sam WeismanMichael J. WeithornJanuary 30, 1986 (1986-01-30)09232.9/47[93]

Alex competes in the Chess match finals against Russia's top player, Ivan Rozmirovich (Albert Macklin). However, things start to go awry when Alex figures out that his opponent is attempting to throw the match.

Note: Alex Henteloff as the Russian Coach and Elsa Raven as Mildred Atkins one of the juries, appear as guest stars in this episode.
8517"Engine Trouble"John PasquinRuth BennettFebruary 6, 1986 (1986-02-06)09332.4/46[94]
When Alex and Elyse have to walk home after the car breaks down, they decide they should take a class in mechanics, but Alex soon turns it into a battle of the sexes. Meanwhile, Steven continuously denies that he is ill, although it clearly shows.
8618"A Word to the Wise"Will MackenzieSusan Borowitz & Marc LawrenceFebruary 13, 1986 (1986-02-13)08730.0/42[95]
8719088
Part 1: As Alex and Ellen celebrate their six-month anniversary, the Keatons regale Ellen with stories about Alex's past schemes.
Part 2: After Ellen hears many wild stories about Alex, Alex begins to wonder whether she still wants to be his girlfriend.
8820"Art Lover"Andrew McCulloughBruce HelfordFebruary 20, 1986 (1986-02-20)09431.3/46[96]
Mallory becomes suspicious when a wealthy and beautiful older woman (Christine Belford) takes a special interest in Nick's artistic creations.
8921"Teacher's Pet"John PasquinMarc LawrenceMarch 2, 1986 (1986-03-02)09515.6/23[97]
Alex gets a position as an assistant professor at the college and convinces Ellen to enroll in the class that he is teaching. In the subplot, Steven wants to enroll a too-young Andrew into preschool, which Elyse opposes.
9022"My Buddy"Sam WeismanAlan UgerMarch 6, 1986 (1986-03-06)09633.0/48[98]

Steven has to learn to accept that Jennifer is growing up. The only way he can get any time with her is to take her to her Sunflower Girls meeting, where he sticks out like a sore thumb. Meanwhile, Alex goes out early on a Saturday to fight a traffic ticket he feels he didn't deserve.

Note: Miriam Flynn in the role of Mrs. Carpenter and Anne Marie McEvoy as Alice, appear as guest stars in this episode.
9123"Once in Love with Elyse"Sam WeismanMichael J. WeithornMay 1, 1986 (1986-05-01)09728.5/45[99]
Elyse must deal with Paul (Peter Scolari), a young architect associate who has fallen in love with her.
9224"Paper Chase"Sam WeismanSusan BorowitzMay 8, 1986 (1986-05-08)09827.5/46[100]

Mallory faces the possibility of not graduating high school unless she passes a tough final oral exam taken by 'Mrs. Hillman' (Gracie Harrison) her strict history teacher.

Note: This was the last episode featuring Tracy Pollan as Ellen Reed, although she will appear in the season 5 2-part episode "It's My Party", which was originally produced for Season 4.

Season 5 (1986–1987)

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No.
overall
No. in
season
TitleDirected byWritten byOriginal air dateProd.
code
Rating/share
(households)
931"Be True to Your Preschool"Sam WeismanMarc LawrenceSeptember 25, 1986 (1986-09-25)10032.1/50[101]

Steven and Elyse enroll 3-year-old Andrew in preschool, but it soon becomes clear that Alex objects to the school's values of sharing and cooperation.

Note: This is Brian Bonsall's first appearance as Andrew Keaton.
942"Starting Over"Steven RobmanAlan VejarOctober 2, 1986 (1986-10-02)10333.4/51[102]
Ellen breaks up with Alex in order to take a scholarship in dancing she won at a prestigious Arts School in Paris, France. Distraught, Alex tries to cope with the breakup by re-entering the dating scene way too soon and meeting with Sharon (Haviland Morris) a girl he never noticed before and who he tries to make look like Ellen as much as possible.
953"The Freshman and the Senior"Sam WeismanRuth Bennett & Marc LawrenceOctober 9, 1986 (1986-10-09)10431.0/46[103]
Mallory is teamed with 66-year-old Margaret Hollings (Julie Harris) on a college sociology project. Meanwhile, Alex is very interested to know what Steven and Elyse have written in their wills.
964"My Back Pages"Sam WeismanRuth BennettOctober 16, 1986 (1986-10-16)09934.9/52[104]
Steven's old college roommate comes for a visit and reveals he wants to re-launch their old magazine.
975"Beauty and the Bank"Asaad KeladaStephen J. CurwickOctober 30, 1986 (1986-10-30)10533.2/49[105]
Alex gets his dream job at the Harding Trust, only to find out his boss is an attractive woman named Rebecca Ryan (Melinda Culea). (Named on the episode credits as Debra Ryan)
986"Mrs. Wrong, Part 1"Sam WeismanAlan UgerNovember 6, 1986 (1986-11-06)10135.2/50[106]
Mallory is overwhelmed with all her obligations at school and at home, so she decides the best way to get out of them is to marry her boyfriend, Nick.
997"Mrs. Wrong, Part 2"Sam WeismanAlan UgerNovember 13, 1986 (1986-11-13)10234.6/49[107]
Nick and Mallory set out to elope, but not without waking everyone up. Now it's up to Alex to track them down at the justice of the peace.
1008"The Big Fix"John PasquinMichael J. WeithornNovember 17, 1986 (1986-11-17)08424.5/35[108]

Elyse plays matchmaker when she tries to fix up a lonely colleague with her neighbor's daughter Liz Obeck (Terry Farrell).

Note: The 100th episode of the series.
1019"My Brother's Keeper"Asaad KeladaSusan BorowitzNovember 20, 1986 (1986-11-20)10732.0/46[108]
Alex gets Skippy an interview with the Grant chapter of his fraternity, only to find out they plan to make Skippy the butt of a humiliating practical joke.
10210"High School Confidential"Mark W. TravisRuth BennettDecember 4, 1986 (1986-12-04)11236.4/54[109]
In order to teach an art class at the local youth center, Nick must get his high school diploma with help from Alex and Mallory.
10311"Paper Lion"Peter BaldwinWendy AaronDecember 11, 1986 (1986-12-11)10633.7/51[110]
Alex works on an important paper with his Economics professor, only to find out that their hypothesis is wrong. His professor goes ahead with plans to present the paper anyway.
10412"My Mother, My Friend"Lynn HamrickKate BoutilierDecember 18, 1986 (1986-12-18)11333.1/50[111]
Mallory brings home Allison (Robin Morse) a friend studying an Architecture's major, and who has more in common with Elyse than Mallory herself. Mallory then becomes jealous of the attention her mom lavishes on the girl. Alex plays Scrabble with his game-obsessed Dad, Steven.
10513"Oh, Brother, Part 1"Sam WeismanAlan UgerJanuary 8, 1987 (1987-01-08)10836.4/52[112]
The Keatons are stunned when Uncle Rob visits and announces he's separated from his wife Maureen - and has already met someone else.
10614"Oh, Brother, Part 2"Sam WeismanAlan UgerJanuary 15, 1987 (1987-01-15)10936.6/52[113]
Rob's estranged wife Maureen shows up to tell the real story behind their separation. Although Rob stays single, he and Steve finally bond as brothers.
10715"Higher Love"Debbie AllenSusan BorowitzJanuary 22, 1987 (1987-01-22)11639.2/53[114]
Mallory begins to fall for the leader of her poetry group.
10816"Architect's Apprentice"Steven RobmanDavid Tyron KingJanuary 29, 1987 (1987-01-29)11736.0/51[115]
Nick convinces Steven to let him enter a contest to pick the sculpture for the newly remodelled lobby of WKS.
10917"A Tale of Two Cities, Part 1"Peter BaldwinMarc Lawrence & Alan UgerFebruary 5, 1987 (1987-02-05)11436.4/52[116]
While the Keaton kitchen gets remodelled, Alex and his boss, Rebecca, travel to Chicago for a conference, where they're forced to share a tiny room.
11018"A Tale of Two Cities, Part 2"Peter BaldwinMarc Lawrence & Alan UgerFebruary 12, 1987 (1987-02-12)11536.2/54[117]
Nervous about meeting her boss, Rebecca gets drunk and makes a fool of herself. Back at home, Steven refuses all help and wallpapers the kitchen himself.
11119"Battle of the Sexes"Andrew McCullough & Sam WeismanStephen J. CurwickFebruary 19, 1987 (1987-02-19)11032.4/46[118]
11220111
Part 1: Elyse, Mallory and Jennifer confront Steven and Alex after a disastrous dinner at a restaurant, and past incidents are recalled where gender played a role in their lives.
Part 2: Alex continues to defend and debate his chauvinistic ways, citing Mallory's and Jennifer's past experiences. But in the end, they decide he's not so bad after all.
11321"Band on the Run"Andrew McCulloughSusan Borowitz & Marc LawrenceFebruary 26, 1987 (1987-02-26)11835.4/51[119]
Jennifer and her band, The Permanent Waves, try out for the homecoming dance at Leland College. They do so well Alex sees a chance to make money, and convinces them to let him be their manager.
11422"Keaton vs. Keaton"Sam WeismanStephen J. CurwickMarch 5, 1987 (1987-03-05)12334.8/51[120]
Alex and Mallory compete for a new $2,500 WKS scholarship.
11523"A, My Name is Alex"Will MackenzieGary David Goldberg & Alan UgerMarch 12, 1987 (1987-03-12)11936.0/52[123]
11624120
Part 1: When his friend Greg is killed in a car accident, Alex behaves erratically after the funeral. Eventually grief sets in, and he questions his own existence.
Part 2: Now in therapy to deal with Greg's death, Alex talks about many episodes from his childhood - and his true feelings about his family.
Notes: This episode won the 1987 Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Writing for a Comedy Series. In 1997, TV Guide ranked this it number 68 on its '100 Greatest Episodes of All Time' list.[121] [122]
11725""D" is for Date"Sam WeismanSusan BorowitzMarch 20, 1987 (1987-03-20)12219.3/32[124]
Jennifer plays dumb in order to date a good-looking jock named Tim (Wil Wheaton).
11826"Love Me Do"Sam WeismanMarc LawrenceApril 30, 1987 (1987-04-30)12130.8/50[125]
Skippy falls in love with Amy, a friend of Mallory's. Meanwhile, Steven plans a surprise birthday party for Elyse.
11927"The Visit"Sam WeismanMarc Lawrence & Alan UgerMay 7, 1987 (1987-05-07)12427.8/46[126]

Elyse's sister Michelle, her obnoxious husband (Stuart Pankin), and their bratty children come for a visit, and despite Steven's attempts to tolerate their presence, it eventually becomes too much.

Note: The obnoxious son is played by Jeff Cohen, who previously played the annoying kid with the clapping hands hat in the episode "4 Rms Ocn Vu".
12028"Matchmaker"Barbara SchultzBruce David & Bruce HelfordJuly 23, 1987 (1987-07-23)07222.4/43[127]

Mallory—having recently broken up with Rick (rather than Nick, this episode was filmed 2 years prior and breaks continuity)—comes home after yet another disastrous date. Alex, determined to get Mallory to forget Rick and find her a boyfriend, uses Jennifer's computer to snare the perfect guy. But how will Alex respond when Mallory doesn't like the guy the computer chooses for her?

Note: This episode was produced during Season 3.
12129"It's My Party, Part 1"Asaad KeladaSusan BorowitzAugust 6, 1987 (1987-08-06)07719.5/37[128]

It's Jennifer's birthday, so she decides to invite the trendiest girls in school to her party. However, when the party proves lame, the cool girls leave, and she leaves with them.

Note: This episode was produced during Season 4 and therefore breaks continuity.
12230"It's My Party, Part 2"Asaad KeladaSusan BorowitzAugust 13, 1987 (1987-08-13)07820.3/37[129]

Now part of the trendiest clique in school, Jennifer talks valleyspeak and spends all her time at the mall. However, when she's caught cutting class, she's grounded and misses out on going to a football game with the family.

Note: This episode was produced during Season 4.

Season 6 (1987–1988)

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No.
overall
No. in
season
TitleDirected byWritten byOriginal air dateProd.
code
Rating/share
(households)
1231"The Last of the Red Hot Psychologists"Sam WeismanMarc LawrenceSeptember 13, 1987 (1987-09-13)12627.9/43[130]
1242127
Alex meets Lauren Miller (Courteney Cox), a psychology major at Leland College, and the two become friends ... then much more ... when Alex participates in Lauren's study of overachievers. Also, Andy goes to his first day of Kindergarten and Jennifer goes to her first day of high school.
1253"Dear Mallory"Sam WeismanAlan UgerSeptember 20, 1987 (1987-09-20)12520.5/33[131]
Mallory is hired as advice columnist for the Columbus Shopper's Guide. Note: This is the second episode where Justine Bateman wears white pants.
1264"The Other Woman"Asaad KeladaSusan BorowitzSeptember 27, 1987 (1987-09-27)13021.0/34[132]
Andrew feels ignored when Alex begins spending time with Lauren at the expense of brotherly bonding sessions.
1275"Dream Date"Andrew McCulloughKatie FordOctober 4, 1987 (1987-10-04)12920.9/32[133]
Jennifer uses a nerdy boy who has a crush on her as a stepping stone to win the heart of a teen heartthrob.
1286"Super Mom"Matthew DiamondAlan UgerOctober 18, 1987 (1987-10-18)13219.0/28[134]
Elyse must choose between working on a prestigious architectural account or spending time with her family.
1297"Walking On Air"Andrew McCulloughKatie FordOctober 25, 1987 (1987-10-25)13117.4/25[135]
Steven gets a reluctant Mallory a new job at WKS. Meanwhile, Alex leads the rest of the family on a cereal-sponsored search contest for $5,000.
1308"Invasion of the Psychologist Snatchers"Matthew DiamondMarc LawrenceNovember 1, 1987 (1987-11-01)13321.0/31[136]
Alex becomes insecure of Lauren's visiting ex-boyfriend.
1319"The Way We Were"Will MackenzieGary David GoldbergNovember 8, 1987 (1987-11-08)12817.7/27[137]
The Keatons get a first-hand lesson on Alzheimer's disease when Aunt Rosemary (Barbara Barrie) comes to visit and behaves erratically.
13210"Mister Sister"Kent BatemanSusan BorowitzNovember 15, 1987 (1987-11-15)13418.1/27[138]
Nick gets a job as the janitor at Mallory's sorority house, which leads to friction between them. Meanwhile, Steven and Alex try to teach Andy basketball.
13311"Citizen Keaton"Sam WeismanSusan Borowitz & Marc LawrenceNovember 22, 1987 (1987-11-22)13518.9/27[139]
Mallory runs for student body president of Grant College, and Alex agrees to be her campaign manager.
13412"Father Time, Part 1"Sam WeismanAlan UgerNovember 29, 1987 (1987-11-29)13620.2/38[140]
Steven's newly-divorced brother Rob comes to visit with his son and troubled daughter, who is rebelling against her dad.
13513"Father Time, Part 2"Sam WeismanAlan UgerDecember 6, 1987 (1987-12-06)13719.3/28[141]
Steven's rebellious niece defies her father, and has the Keatons examining the meanings of marriage, divorce and parenthood.
13614"The American Family"Sam WeismanKatie FordDecember 13, 1987 (1987-12-13)13817.3/26[142]
13715139
Lauren does a term paper on the typical American family, culling memories from the Keatons on their past.
13816"Anniversary Waltz"Sam WeismanAlan UgerDecember 16, 1987 (1987-12-16)03515.7/25[143]

Steven and Elyse argue for a week about their upcoming 20th anniversary party, leading the kids to remind them of their love for each other.

Note: This episode was produced during Season 2 and therefore breaks the continuity of the 6th season.
13917"Miracle in Columbus"Lynn HamrickRob OkunDecember 20, 1987 (1987-12-20)14117.0/27[143]
Alex gets a job as a mall Santa, where he finally gets the spirit of Christmas after he hears a young girl's wish for her father to come home.
14018"The Play's the Thing"Debbie AllenDiane DixonJanuary 10, 1988 (1988-01-10)14022.1/32[144]
Steven tries to stage a radical play he wrote in the '60's, but Elyse is reluctant to play the lead role.
14119"The Spirit of Columbus"Sam WeismanCharles J. SchlotterJanuary 17, 1988 (1988-01-17)14320.5/30[145]
Nick sells one of his sculptures and so Alex starts to believe that Nick's art is worth something. So he makes Nick make 35 more of them to sell.
14220"The Blues Brother"Matthew DiamondBurt PretluskyJanuary 24, 1988 (1988-01-24)14217.5/25[146]
Alex encourages former blues musician Eddie Dupree (Brownie McGhee) to come out of retirement.
14321"Read It and Weep, Part 1"Sam WeismanMarc Lawrence & Alan UgerFebruary 7, 1988 (1988-02-07)14416.6/24[147]
Defying her school's policy, Jennifer writes a book report on the banned book The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn.
14422"Read It and Weep, Part 2"Sam WeismanMarc Lawrence & Alan UgerFebruary 14, 1988 (1988-02-14)14515.3/23[148]
Jennifer's punishment for reading "The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn" escalates into legal action.
14523"Quitting Time"Matthew DiamondSusan BorowitzFebruary 21, 1988 (1988-02-21)14718.6/27[149]
When Lauren quits work on her psychology thesis, Alex begins to find her less interesting.
14624"Spring Reminds Me"Matthew DiamondKatie FordFebruary 28, 1988 (1988-02-28)14616.7/25[150]
Evelyn Mitchum (Constance McCashin), a former neighbor and mother of Mallory's childhood best friend Rosalie, who had committed suicide, visits the Keatons and reveals that she still has difficulty coping. Meanwhile, Steven unearths his old kit of magic tricks and starts driving the family crazy with them.
14725"The Boys Next Door"Sam WeismanTrish VrandenbergMarch 6, 1988 (1988-03-06)14818.0/28[151]
Elyse's nerdy high school friend (Robert Klein) visits for a class reunion, hoping to rekindle their relationship.
14826"Sign of the Times"Asaad KeladaMatthew MonaherMarch 13, 1988 (1988-03-13)15015.9/24[152]
Andy becomes friends with a new student who is deaf. But when the other kids start teasing him, Andy decides not to talk.
14927"Return of the Native"John PasquinLloyd GarverMarch 20, 1988 (1988-03-20)07116.4/25[153]

Cousin June (Danielle von Zerneck) returns to the United States after three years abroad in England. She has lots to tell, but the entire family has stories of their own.

Note: This episode was produced during Season 3 and therefore breaks the continuity of the 6th season.
15028"Father, Can You Spare a Dime?"Andrew McCulloughBen Cardinale & Peter SchreiderMay 1, 1988 (1988-05-01)14912.9/21[154]
Nick is hurting for money after he is rejected for a bank loan, but he doesn't think his estranged father Joe (Dan Hedaya) is the right person to lend him money either. Joseph Gordon-Levitt appears as one of the children in Nick's art class.

Season 7 (1988–1989)

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No.
overall
No. in
season
TitleDirected byWritten byOriginal air dateProd.
code
U.S. viewers
(millions)
Rating/share
(households)
1511"It Happened One Night"Matthew DiamondMarc LawrenceOctober 30, 1988 (1988-10-30)15426.1[155]16.0/24[155]
Steven, Elyse, and Andy go camping and Jennifer, Alex, and Mallory stay home. After realizing they should have gone with them, Jennifer, Alex, Nick, and Mallory head to the campground. However, the car breaks down in the middle of nowhere and they must camp outside.
1522"Designing Woman"Matthew DiamondKatie FordNovember 6, 1988 (1988-11-06)15521.0[156]13.5/19[156]
Mallory gets a job at a fashion designing store but finds out her co-worker is stealing her designs.
1533"Truckers"Andrew McCulloughShannon GaughanNovember 13, 1988 (1988-11-13)15625.6[157]15.1/21[157]
Alex feels neglected when Andy would rather spend time with Nick's nephew than with him.
1544"Beyond Therapy"Sam WeismanKatie FordNovember 27, 1988 (1988-11-27)15822.4[158]14.9/21[158]
Lauren encourages Alex to join a therapy group to express his feelings more.
1555"Heartstrings, Part 1"Sam WeismanAlan UgerDecember 4, 1988 (1988-12-04)15130.1[159]17.6/26[159]
The family pulls together after Steven has a heart attack and has to undergo heart surgery.
1566"Heartstrings, Part 2"Sam WeismanAlan UgerDecember 11, 1988 (1988-12-11)15227.7[160]16.2/24[160]
While Steven is in heart surgery, the family holds vigil at the hospital. And just when the family doesn't need any more stress, the nurse says that Steven has to undergo a quadruple bypass.
1577"Heartstrings, Part 3"Sam WeismanAlan UgerDecember 18, 1988 (1988-12-18)15321.7[161]13.0/20[161]
Steven returns home from the hospital and tries to adjust to new restrictions in his life.
1588"Basic Training"Sam WeismanSusan BorowitzJanuary 1, 1989 (1989-01-01)15721.8[162]12.8/20[162]
Desperately seeking direction in life, Skippy decides to enlist in the Army. But is the Army the best career path for him? Meanwhile, Steven is not allowed to eat fattening foods because of his recent heart attack.
1599"Deja Vu"Matthew DiamondSusan BorowitzJanuary 8, 1989 (1989-01-08)16026.5[163]16.2/23[163]
Jennifer starts dating Mallory's ex-boyfriend's younger brother, Josh. But when Mallory finds out that Josh wants to follow in his brother's footsteps, she thinks that he will dump Jennifer just like Jeff dumped her.
16010"Nick's Best Friend"Sam WeismanKatie FordJanuary 15, 1989 (1989-01-15)15922.3[164]13.4/20[164]
Nick is reunited with his old dog Scrapper after his mother moves into an apartment that does not allow pets. But after the dog is struck by a car and critically injured, Nick is forced to make a heart-wrenching decision.
16111"Get Me to the Living Room on Time"Sam WeismanMatthew MonaherJanuary 29, 1989 (1989-01-29)16125.9[165]15.4/23[165]
Andy becomes friends with two senior citizens at a retirement home, Joseph and Eva. Steven decides to make them the focus of his new documentary. While the documentary is being recorded, Joseph proposes to Eva, who accepts. But Joseph's son, David, does not approve of their marriage.
16212"The Job Not Taken"Andrew McCulloughMarc LawrenceFebruary 5, 1989 (1989-02-05)16226.4[166]15.2/22[166]
When Alex's friend, Paul Corman, gets Alex a job, Paul gets fired. Alex starts to feel guilty, so he quits.
16313"The Wrecker's Ball"Sam WeismanDouglas WymanFebruary 12, 1989 (1989-02-12)16321.8[167]13.3/20[167]
When the first building Elyse designed faces the wrecking ball, the entire family rallies behind her attempts to block the demolition.
16414"My Best Friend's Girl"Sam WeismanBruce HelfordFebruary 19, 1989 (1989-02-19)16521.4[168]12.8/19[168]
Lauren tries to play matchmaker for Skippy as a favor to Alex, but Skippy ends up falling in love with her. Steven and Elyse both think they can teach Jennifer to drive better, so they compete. Maura Tierney plays Skippy's lab partner.
16515"'Til Her Daddy Takes the T-Bird Away"Matthew DiamondSusan BorowitzFebruary 26, 1989 (1989-02-26)16622.0[169]13.3/20[169]
Mallory's plans to buy a car from Nick's father's used car lot are stalled when Steven refuses to co-sign her loan.
16616"Simon Says"Matthew DiamondKatie FordMarch 5, 1989 (1989-03-05)16427.4[170]16.8/25[170]
Jennifer and Simon get jobs at a fast food restaurant. A ten-year-old paper girl (Jaclyn Bernstein) has an obsessive romantic crush on Alex.
16717"All in the Neighborhood, Part 1"Matthew DiamondRuth BennettMarch 12, 1989 (1989-03-12)16723.2[171]14.2/21[171]
When their African-American friends move into the neighborhood, the Keatons are shocked and saddened to learn racism still exists among some of their neighbors.
16818"All in the Neighborhood, Part 2"Matthew DiamondRuth BennettMarch 19, 1989 (1989-03-19)17022.3[172]14.4/22[172]
After their new neighbors' home is vandalized, the Keatons continue to battle racism in their own backyard and rally to support their friends.
16919"They Can't Take That Away From Me, Part 1"Matthew DiamondMarc LawrenceApril 2, 1989 (1989-04-02)17118.0[173]11.8/19[173]
With Lauren away, Alex begins tutoring a young co-ed (Jane Adams) and starts to develop romantic feelings for her.
17020"They Can't Take That Away From Me, Part 2"Matthew DiamondMarc LawrenceApril 9, 1989 (1989-04-09)17222.6[174]13.5/21[174]
On the brink of graduation, Alex must choose between Lauren and a pretty music student who has captured his attention.
17121"Rain Forests Keep Falling on My Head"Rita RogersBruce HelfordApril 16, 1989 (1989-04-16)17317.6[175]11.3/19[175]
When Jennifer becomes obsessed with saving the environment, she makes everybody use things that are not a hazard. Steven and Elyse suggest she see the school counselor.
17222"Wrap Around the Clock"Matthew DiamondKatie FordApril 23, 1989 (1989-04-23)16817.6[176]11.6/19[176]
17323169
In this hour-long clip show, The Keatons look back on pleasant -- although sometimes embarrassing -- memories while filling in Andy's time capsule.
17424"Mr. Keaton Takes a Vacation"Sam WeismanShannon GaughanMay 7, 1989 (1989-05-07)17416.7[177]10.5/17[177]
Steven finally expresses his true feelings about Nick when he moves in with the family for a week.
17525"Alex Doesn't Live Here Anymore"Sam WeismanSusan Borowitz & Katie Ford & Marc Lawrence & Alan UgerMay 14, 1989 (1989-05-14)17536.3[179]20.8/35[179]
17626176

When Alex lands his dream job in New York, everyone (except Elyse) is delighted for him. At the end of the show, the cast and the show's creator Gary David Goldberg come out for a final curtain call.

Note: In 2011, the series finale was ranked #24 on the TV Guide Network special, TV's Most Unforgettable Finales.[178]

References

edit
  1. ^ "1982-83 Ratings History". Archived from the original on 2018-06-30. Retrieved 20 July 2021.
  2. ^ "1983-84 Ratings History". Archived from the original on 2018-01-18. Retrieved 20 July 2021.
  3. ^ "1988-89 Ratings History". Archived from the original on 2018-01-18. Retrieved 20 July 2021.
  4. ^ "CBS tops Nielsens in week of Sept. 26". The Hollywood Reporter. Vol. 273, no. 39. September 29, 1982. p. 8. ProQuest 2587915688.
  5. ^ "CBS tops Nielsens in season's 1st week". The Hollywood Reporter. Vol. 273, no. 44. October 6, 1982. p. 8. ProQuest 2587914903.
  6. ^ Gansberg, Alan L. (October 14, 1982). "CBS takes week 2; baseball aids ABC". The Hollywood Reporter. Vol. 273, no. 49. p. 4. ProQuest 2594795876.
  7. ^ "Season returns to normalcy: CBS is back on top". Broadcasting. Vol. 103, no. 18. November 8, 1982. p. 78. ProQuest 963254255.
  8. ^ Hack, Richard (November 10, 1982). "CBS takes 6th week of '82-83 season: ABC in second place". The Hollywood Reporter. Vol. 274, no. 18. p. 6. ProQuest 2587803060.
  9. ^ Gansberg, Alan L. (November 17, 1982). "CBS takes week in Nielsens; 'Blue and Gray' beats rivals". The Hollywood Reporter. Vol. 274, no. 22. p. 14. ProQuest 2594774619.
  10. ^ "Television Ratings (Nov. 15–21)". The Los Angeles Times. November 24, 1982. Retrieved November 14, 2023 – via Newspapers.com. 
  11. ^ "CBS wins rating battle with 'Blue and Gray'". Broadcasting. Vol. 103, no. 22. November 29, 1982. p. 49. ProQuest 963235207.
  12. ^ "Television Ratings (Nov. 22–28)". The Los Angeles Times. December 1, 1982. Retrieved November 14, 2023 – via Newspapers.com. 
  13. ^ Nielsen National TV Audience Estimates (November 22–December 5, 1982) (Report). Nielsen Media Research.
  14. ^ Gansberg, Alan L. (December 8, 1982). "'Dallas,' specials aid in CBS victory in Nielsens again". The Hollywood Reporter. Vol. 274, no. 36. p. 14. ProQuest 2587815923.
  15. ^ "Television Ratings (Dec. 6–12)". The Los Angeles Times. December 16, 1982. Retrieved November 14, 2023 – via Newspapers.com. 
  16. ^ a b Nielsen National TV Audience Estimates (December 6–19, 1982) (Report). Nielsen Media Research.
  17. ^ "Television Ratings (Dec. 13–19)". The Los Angeles Times. December 24, 1982. Retrieved November 14, 2023 – via Newspapers.com. 
  18. ^ "Television Ratings (Dec. 20–26)". The Los Angeles Times. December 30, 1982. Retrieved November 14, 2023 – via Newspapers.com. 
  19. ^ Fast Weekly Program Audience Estimates (December 20–26, 1982) (Report). Nielsen Media Research.
  20. ^ "Television Ratings (Jan. 10–16)". The Los Angeles Times. January 21, 1983. Retrieved November 14, 2023 – via Newspapers.com. 
  21. ^ a b Nielsen National TV Audience Estimates (January 10–23, 1983) (Report). Nielsen Media Research.
  22. ^ "Television Ratings (Jan. 17–23)". The Los Angeles Times. January 27, 1983. Retrieved November 14, 2023 – via Newspapers.com. 
  23. ^ "Television Ratings (Jan. 24–30)". The Los Angeles Times. February 3, 1983. Retrieved November 14, 2023 – via Newspapers.com. 
  24. ^ Nielsen National TV Audience Estimates (January 24–February 6, 1983) (Report). Nielsen Media Research.
  25. ^ "140 million watched 'The Winds of War'". Miami Herald. February 16, 1983. Retrieved November 22, 2023 – via Newspapers.com. 
  26. ^ "CBS wins Nielsen Ratings". Miami Herald. February 23, 1983. Retrieved November 22, 2023 – via Newspapers.com. 
  27. ^ "CBS tops weekly ratings". Miami Herald. March 2, 1983. Retrieved November 22, 2023 – via Newspapers.com. 
  28. ^ "CBS wins Nielsen ratings". Miami Herald. March 23, 1983. Retrieved November 22, 2023 – via Newspapers.com. 
  29. ^ Gansberg, Alan L. (April 6, 1983). "'Thorn Birds' fly ABC closer to CBS with Nielsen win". The Hollywood Reporter. Vol. 276, no. 19. p. 11. ProQuest 2587811606.
  30. ^ Gansberg, Alan L. (April 13, 1983). "CBS takes next-to-last week in season to maintain Nielsens lead". The Hollywood Reporter. Vol. 276, no. 24. p. 3. ProQuest 2587805706.
  31. ^ "CBS wins ratings race for fourth straight season". Miami Herald. April 20, 1983. Retrieved November 22, 2023 – via Newspapers.com. 
  32. ^ "Premiere week goes to CBS". Broadcasting. Vol. 105, no. 15. October 10, 1983. p. 78. ProQuest 1285768016.
  33. ^ "World Series scores for ABC-TV". Broadcasting. Vol. 105, no. 17. October 24, 1983. p. 61. ProQuest 963241552.
  34. ^ "CBS regains winning form". Broadcasting. Vol. 105, no. 18. October 31, 1983. p. 62. ProQuest 963232208.
  35. ^ "CBS wins its fourth week in five". Broadcasting. Vol. 105, no. 19. November 7, 1983. p. 69. ProQuest 1014704928.
  36. ^ "ABC the winner in week six". Broadcasting. Vol. 105, no. 20. November 14, 1983. p. 74. ProQuest 1014710260.
  37. ^ "'Chiefs' leads CBS to victory". Broadcasting. Vol. 105, no. 21. November 21, 1983. p. 43. ProQuest 1014710747.
  38. ^ "'Day After' sweeps ABC to victory". Broadcasting. Vol. 105, no. 22. November 28, 1983. p. 54. ProQuest 1014712773.
  39. ^ "It's CBS six days a week". Broadcasting. Vol. 105, no. 24. December 12, 1983. p. 90. ProQuest 1014698948.
  40. ^ Gansberg, Alan L. (December 21, 1983). "Christmas specials lead CBS to win; '60 Minutes' on top". The Hollywood Reporter. Vol. 279, no. 48. p. 34. ProQuest 2587871651.
  41. ^ Byrge, Duane (December 29, 1983). "CBS easy winner over holiday week". The Hollywood Reporter. Vol. 280, no. 3. p. 11. ProQuest 2587871405.
  42. ^ "CBS wins week, NBC's 'Riptide' moves network into second". Broadcasting. Vol. 106, no. 3. January 16, 1984. p. 98. ProQuest 1016910894.
  43. ^ "'Amelia' gives ABC the week". Broadcasting. Vol. 106, no. 4. January 23, 1984. p. 90. ProQuest 963253332.
  44. ^ "CBS wins big with Super Bowl". Broadcasting. Vol. 106, no. 5. January 30, 1984. p. 98. ProQuest 963233510.
  45. ^ "'Seasons,' Hammer' nail down first for CBS". Broadcasting. Vol. 106, no. 6. February 6, 1984. p. 166. ProQuest 963242202.
  46. ^ "ABC's regular series lift it to victory". Broadcasting. Vol. 106, no. 7. February 13, 1984. p. 176. ProQuest 963246380.
  47. ^ "NBC's first win of the season". Broadcasting. Vol. 106, no. 8. February 20, 1984. p. 82. ProQuest 963240734.
  48. ^ "First-place finish for ABC and Olympics". Broadcasting. Vol. 106, no. 9. February 27, 1984. p. 64. ProQuest 963233270.
  49. ^ "CBS returns to top spot". Broadcasting. Vol. 106, no. 10. March 5, 1984. p. 63. ProQuest 963277310.
  50. ^ "Tie for two in week 24". Broadcasting. Vol. 106, no. 12. March 19, 1984. p. 62. ProQuest 1014706230.
  51. ^ "ABC comes away with a win". Broadcasting. Vol. 106, no. 13. March 26, 1984. p. 54. ProQuest 963230460.
  52. ^ "ABC makes it three in a row". Broadcasting. Vol. 106, no. 20. May 14, 1984. p. 62. ProQuest 963244816.
  53. ^ "ABC makes its four in a row;'V' puts NBC in second". Broadcasting. Vol. 106, no. 21. May 21, 1984. p. 78.
  54. ^ Gansberg, Alan L. (September 26, 1984). "ABC wins week's Nielsens; NBC gets new series sampled". The Hollywood Reporter. Vol. 283, no. 42. p. 41. ProQuest 2594647420.
  55. ^ "CBS takes week one; NBC places second". Broadcasting. Vol. 107, no. 15. October 8, 1984. p. 94. ProQuest 963257211.
  56. ^ "CBS takes week two; baseball pushes ABC into second". Broadcasting. Vol. 107, no. 16. October 15, 1984. p. 52. ProQuest 963248791.
  57. ^ "World Series carries NBC to victory". Broadcasting. Vol. 107, no. 17. October 22, 1984. p. 94. ProQuest 963259134.
  58. ^ "Week 4: It's CBS, NBC, ABC". Broadcasting. Vol. 107, no. 18. October 29, 1984. p. 71. ProQuest 963249719.
  59. ^ "CBS, NBC tie in week five". Broadcasting. Vol. 107, no. 19. November 5, 1984. p. 64. ProQuest 963263431.
  60. ^ "CBS takes week six, NBC second". Broadcasting. Vol. 107, no. 20. November 12, 1984. p. 56. ProQuest 963260754.
  61. ^ "CBS wins week; takes over first place season-to-date". Broadcasting. Vol. 107, no. 21. November 19, 1984. p. 61. ProQuest 963244940.
  62. ^ "Nielsen prime-time ratings". The Philadelphia Inquirer. November 21, 1984. p. E8. ProQuest 1820039639.
  63. ^ "NBC garners another first place". Broadcasting. Vol. 107, no. 23. November 19, 1984. p. 109. ProQuest 1014703828.
  64. ^ "CBS makes it 10 in a row". Broadcasting. Vol. 107, no. 24. December 10, 1984. p. 78. ProQuest 1014716210.
  65. ^ "CBS takes another ratings week". Broadcasting. Vol. 107, no. 25. December 17, 1984. p. 84. ProQuest 1014719197.
  66. ^ "Nielsen prime-time ratings". The Philadelphia Inquirer. December 19, 1984. p. E11. ProQuest 1820015039.
  67. ^ "CBS takes the week in prime time and daytime". Broadcasting. Vol. 108, no. 2. January 14, 1985. p. 162. ProQuest 1014714181.
  68. ^ "CBS wins and ABC climbs into second". Broadcasting. Vol. 108, no. 3. January 21, 1985. p. 87. ProQuest 1014713043.
  69. ^ "Super Bowl gives ABC its first weekly win". Broadcasting. Vol. 108, no. 4. January 28, 1985. p. 88. ProQuest 1014707587.
  70. ^ "CBS wins a close one". Broadcasting. Vol. 108, no. 5. February 4, 1985. p. 64. ProQuest 1014705874.
  71. ^ "'Music Awards' lifts ABC into first place". Broadcasting. Vol. 108, no. 6. February 11, 1985. p. 48. ProQuest 963286911.
  72. ^ "'Cosby' and 'Dirty Dozen' deliver week for NBC". Broadcasting. Vol. 108, no. 7. February 18, 1985. p. 71. ProQuest 963239691.
  73. ^ "CBS back in first in weekly ratings". Broadcasting. Vol. 108, no. 8. February 25, 1985. p. 78. ProQuest 963263450.
  74. ^ "ABC, NBC tie in ratings photo finish". Broadcasting. Vol. 108, no. 9. March 4, 1985. p. 83. ProQuest 1014722694.
  75. ^ "Basketball cuts into network numbers". Broadcasting. Vol. 108, no. 11. March 18, 1985. p. 65. ProQuest 1014715489.
  76. ^ "CBS squeaks into first". Broadcasting. Vol. 108, no. 14. April 8, 1985. p. 150. ProQuest 963263271.
  77. ^ a b "ABC Takes Wednesday". Variety. Vol. 320, no. 11. October 9, 1985. p. 111. ProQuest 1438420767.
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  79. ^ "NBC's Thursday Wins". Variety. Vol. 320, no. 11. October 9, 1985. p. 111. ProQuest 1438420767.
  80. ^ "NBC makes it three out of four". Broadcasting. Vol. 109, no. 18. October 28, 1985. p. 104. ProQuest 1014725795.
  81. ^ "World Series gives ABC week's ratings edge". Broadcasting. Vol. 109, no. 19. November 4, 1985. p. 42. ProQuest 1014715626.
  82. ^ "NBC takes week six as sweeps begin". Broadcasting. Vol. 109, no. 20. November 11, 1985. p. 56. ProQuest 1014708767.
  83. ^ "ABC leads sweeps with strong showing in seventh week". Broadcasting. Vol. 109, no. 21. November 18, 1985. p. 88. ProQuest 1014718278.
  84. ^ "Movies, Thursday and Saturday schedules give NBC week eight". Broadcasting. Vol. 109, no. 22. November 25, 1985. p. 42. ProQuest 1014708269.
  85. ^ "Ninth week of season: second win for CBS". Broadcasting. Vol. 109, no. 23. December 2, 1985. p. 87. ProQuest 1014710938.
  86. ^ "NBC continues winning ways". Broadcasting. Vol. 109, no. 25. December 16, 1985. p. 88. ProQuest 1014721078.
  87. ^ "NBC takes another Wednesday as it posts eighth weekly win". Broadcasting. Vol. 109, no. 26. December 23, 1985. p. 61. ProQuest 1014718357.
  88. ^ "NBC goes nine for 13". Broadcasting. Vol. 109, no. 27. December 30, 1985. p. 80. ProQuest 1014722791.
  89. ^ "Return of Stacey Keach helps CBS to third ratings victory". Broadcasting. Vol. 110, no. 2. January 13, 1986. p. 180. ProQuest 1014714725.
  90. ^ "CBS wins second week in a row by a nose". Broadcasting. Vol. 110, no. 3. January 20, 1986. p. 214. ProQuest 1014710358.
  91. ^ "Sixth Cosby record this season gives NBC another win". Broadcasting. Vol. 110, no. 4. January 27, 1986. p. 74. ProQuest 1016911509.
  92. ^ "Bears also win for NBC". Broadcasting. Vol. 110, no. 5. February 3, 1986. p. 50. ProQuest 1016916917.
  93. ^ "ABC starts fast but finishes last". Broadcasting. Vol. 110, no. 6. February 10, 1986. p. 56. ProQuest 1016909677.
  94. ^ ""Sins" wins for CBS; NBC leads sweeps". Broadcasting. Vol. 110, no. 7. February 17, 1986. p. 53. ProQuest 1016909361.
  95. ^ "NBC's best Thursday gives it another weekly win". Broadcasting. Vol. 110, no. 8. February 24, 1986. p. 46. ProQuest 1016909425.
  96. ^ "NBC's regular schedule powers it to another win". Broadcasting. Vol. 110, no. 9. March 3, 1986. p. 70. ProQuest 1016909221.
  97. ^ "NBC edges CBS thanks to 'Cosby' and Klugman". Broadcasting. Vol. 110, no. 10. March 10, 1986. p. 92. ProQuest 1014715684.
  98. ^ "NBC breezes to another ratings victory". Broadcasting. Vol. 110, no. 11. March 17, 1986. p. 86. ProQuest 1016912979.
  99. ^ "NBC returns to winning form". Broadcasting. Vol. 110, no. 19. May 12, 1986. p. 50. ProQuest 1016906834.
  100. ^ "'North and South' wins war for ABC". Broadcasting. Vol. 110, no. 20. May 19, 1986. p. 73. ProQuest 1014722857.
  101. ^ "NBC on a roll; wins first week of fall season". Broadcasting. Vol. 111, no. 4. October 6, 1986. p. 48. ProQuest 1014719938.
  102. ^ "NBC goes 2 for 2 in prime time". Broadcasting. Vol. 111, no. 15. October 13, 1986. p. 64. ProQuest 1016915015.
  103. ^ "NBC keeps on rolling". Broadcasting. Vol. 111, no. 16. October 20, 1986. p. 38. ProQuest 1014736998.
  104. ^ "Four in a row for NBC". Broadcasting. Vol. 111, no. 17. October 27, 1986. p. 96. ProQuest 1014715087.
  105. ^ "Game seven, 'Cosby' lift NBC to victory". Broadcasting. Vol. 111, no. 19. November 10, 1986. p. 73. ProQuest 1016910246.
  106. ^ "NBC rolls a lucky seven". Broadcasting. Vol. 111, no. 20. November 17, 1986. p. 52. ProQuest 1285762482.
  107. ^ "NBC wins prime time and news in week eight". Broadcasting. Vol. 111, no. 21. November 24, 1986. p. 52. ProQuest 1016917184.
  108. ^ a b "Nine in a row: NBC ties second-best season streak". Broadcasting. Vol. 111, no. 22. December 1, 1986. p. 88. ProQuest 1014739802.
  109. ^ "NBC stays undefeated". Broadcasting. Vol. 111, no. 24. December 15, 1986. p. 91. ProQuest 1014742080.
  110. ^ "NBC juggernaut keeps on rolling". Broadcasting. Vol. 111, no. 25. December 22, 1986. p. 75. ProQuest 1016910304.
  111. ^ "NBC continues winning ways". Broadcasting. Vol. 111, no. 26. December 29, 1986. p. 63. ProQuest 1016911139.
  112. ^ "CBS wins its second in a row". Broadcasting. Vol. 112, no. 3. January 19, 1987. p. 210. ProQuest 1016906203.
  113. ^ "NBC wins prime time and news". Broadcasting. Vol. 112, no. 4. January 26, 1987. p. 58. ProQuest 1016900438.
  114. ^ "Super Bowl was super for CBS". Broadcasting. Vol. 112, no. 5. February 2, 1987. p. 70. ProQuest 1016913996.
  115. ^ "NBC continues winning ways". Broadcasting. Vol. 112, no. 6. February 9, 1987. p. 107. ProQuest 1014727700.
  116. ^ "Prime time and news go to NBC". Broadcasting. Vol. 112, no. 7. February 16, 1987. p. 56. ProQuest 1016919377.
  117. ^ "'Amerika' premiere pushes ABC to second". Broadcasting. Vol. 112, no. 8. February 23, 1987. p. 74. ProQuest 1016922703.
  118. ^ "NBC overcomes ABC's 'Amerika'". Broadcasting. Vol. 112, no. 9. March 2, 1987. p. 56. ProQuest 1016911964.
  119. ^ "NBC on another winning streak". Broadcasting. Vol. 112, no. 10. March 9, 1987. p. 44. ProQuest 1016912824.
  120. ^ "'Manhattan' does well, but not well enough to beat NBC". Broadcasting. Vol. 112, no. 11. March 16, 1987. p. 64. ProQuest 1016919049.
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  123. ^ "NBC remains on top in prime time". Broadcasting. Vol. 112, no. 12. March 23, 1987. p. 147. ProQuest 1014728499.
  124. ^ "Weekly Ratings Scorecard". Variety. Vol. 326, no. 9. March 25, 1987. p. 48. ProQuest 1286026601.
  125. ^ "No prime time summer slump for NBC". Broadcasting. Vol. 112, no. 19. May 11, 1987. p. 78. ProQuest 1016918442.
  126. ^ "NBC continues summer run". Broadcasting. Vol. 112, no. 20. May 18, 1987. p. 96. ProQuest 1014717874.
  127. ^ "NBC wins week; network shares down from 1986". Broadcasting. Vol. 113, no. 5. August 3, 1987. p. 66. ProQuest 1014720752.
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  131. ^ "NBC takes last week of summer". Broadcasting. Vol. 113, no. 13. September 28, 1987. p. 56. ProQuest 1016936750.
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  161. ^ a b "A very 'Brady' ratings hit". Life. USA Today. December 21, 1988. p. 3D. ProQuest 306159082.
  162. ^ a b "'Carpenter': No. 1 hit for CBS". Life. USA Today. January 5, 1989. p. 3D. ProQuest 306157966.
  163. ^ a b "NBC, laughing all the way". Life. USA Today. January 11, 1989. p. 3D. ProQuest 306165080.
  164. ^ a b "NBC clinches season's ratings title". Life. USA Today. January 18, 1989. p. 3D. ProQuest 306171627.
  165. ^ a b "Midseason entries boost NBC". Life. USA Today. February 1, 1989. p. 3D. ProQuest 306144802.
  166. ^ a b "Comedies sweep up for NBC". Life. USA Today. February 8, 1989. p. 3D. ProQuest 306179902.
  167. ^ a b "CBS gallops to a tie with NBC". Life. USA Today. February 15, 1989. p. 3D. ProQuest 306163263.
  168. ^ a b "NBC's back alone on top". Life. USA Today. February 22, 1989. p. 3D. ProQuest 306175741.
  169. ^ a b "CBS up despite Grammy drop". Life. USA Today. March 1, 1989. p. 3D. ProQuest 306152931.
  170. ^ a b "Hit-and-miss program changes". Life. USA Today. March 8, 1989. p. 3D. ProQuest 306184202.
  171. ^ a b "NBC, in front with 'Left Behind'". Life. USA Today. March 15, 1989. p. 3D. ProQuest 306172200.
  172. ^ a b "Glad tidings for all networks". Life. USA Today. March 22, 1989. p. 3D. ProQuest 306198820.
  173. ^ a b "ABC's roller-coaster week". Life. USA Today. April 5, 1989. p. 3D. ProQuest 306171172.
  174. ^ a b "ABC's hit-and-miss week". Life. USA Today. April 12, 1989. p. 3D. ProQuest 306166319.
  175. ^ a b "CBS squeaks by into second". Life. USA Today. April 19, 1989. p. 3D. ProQuest 306176608.
  176. ^ a b "Sitcom rewards ABC's faith". Life. USA Today. April 26, 1989. p. 3D. ProQuest 306174966.
  177. ^ a b "Bright spots for No. 3 ABC". Life. USA Today. May 10, 1989. p. 3D. ProQuest 306210811.
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